The Vita Audio range - small audio with a big sound

On a nice summers day, nothing beats relaxing outside, with a cool drink, whilst listening to the radio, and with the new models of
radio from Vita Audio, this has never been more enjoyable.


The baby of the Vita range is the R1 Deluxe Table radio,
which can pick up FM (with RDS), DAB and also the new DAB+,
making it future proof. It's retro styled case is available in three finishes, Rich Walnut, Dream White and Midnight Black,
all which are very attractive.

In addition to the above, Vita have just launched a special version of the R1, the R1 Limited Edition,
which is available in a beautiful yellow piano lacquer,
and is limited to only 2000 worldwide, each individually numbered, and so is sure to become a future collectors item.
Enhancing the desirability of the R1 are a pair of handy accessories, the "Backpack" which is a rechargeable power unit, and the "Carrypack"
a leather carrying case, both of which when used with the R1 make into a truly portable high quality radio, ideal for use on the beach,
in the garden, or just around the house. It also features a line input, so one can enjoy music from an MP3 player through the quality speaker in the R1.
The sound quality from the R1's single speaker proved to be rich and full, with excellent clarity,
and fine projection of voices, which is just what you want from a compact radio.

The next model up, the R2i,
builds on the strengths of the R1, but adds stereo speakers, and an i-Pod dock, two line inputs,
which make it ideal for use in a bedroom with TV sound, and a games console, plus a remote control is supplied.
Like the R1, the R2i is available in Rich walnut, Dream White, and Midnight Black finishes.
Being mains powered the R2i is ideal for use in the kitchen, study, bedroom, or indeed anyplace that cannot accommodate a full size hi-fi.
In use the R2i gave superb results both from the inbuilt radio and the i-pod dock, providing a room filling sound,
with excellent stereo seperation, for such a compact unit.

The flagship of the range is the R4i,
which is a full hi-fi system packed into one stylish case, featuring CD, DAB,
DAB+, FM, and an integral i-Pod dock. As well as the two stereo speakers, a subwoofer is built into the unit. Like the R2i,
this also comes complete with a remote control, but with a twist. The rotary control mounted in the top of the R4i,
lifts out and becomes an easy to use remote control. When not in use, it simply slots back into the top of the unit.

The R4i is available in the same finishes as the R2i, plus there is also a new limited edition, which has just been launched.
This is available in a Sparkling Graphite finish, and has an improved CD drive, enhanced circuitry in the tuner section, and
upgraded audio circuitry. As well as being beautiful to behold, the sonic upgrades also make this a superb sounding system.
On listening, the R4i was found to give a fantastic performance with a wide range of music, and in terms of clarity, musicality
and bass response, was not found to be wanting. In fact the quality of this system is so good, it is a viable alternative
to some micro-systems, when space is at a premium.

In conclusion these new systems from Vita are superb sounding, excellently constructed items, and great value for money.
Why not find out for yourself at Sight and Sound, where they are all available for auditioning.

Yamaha RX-V671 - New AV Receiver tipped for awards in review

Yamaha, as the pioneers of home cinema back in the 1980s and '90s, have a reputation second to none when it comes to A/V amplifiers, and the new RX-V671 7.1 Channel Receiver looks set to continue this trend.

First impressions are excellent: the receiver is smartly styled, and as is usual for Yamahas of this class, very solidly constructed. The front panel has a clean layout, with a good selection of controls - although the supplied high quality remote control is the primary control interface - and is neatly styled and well finished.

Round the back, the RX-V671 has a comprehensive set of connections, including an impressive 5 HDMI inputs (there is also an additional HDMI on the front, which is handy for portable devices), plus a connection for one of Yamaha's i-Pod docks. Users of older video sources are well catered for with 2 component video, and 4 composite video, connections provided. For users who want to enjoy music, Yamaha have provided 2 line level inputs. Thoughtfully, a phono stage is also fitted, to allow turntable connection.

The most interesting connection is a network socket, which allows the RX-V671 to be connected to a network. This gives streaming from Napster, and music files from PC (WAV, MP3, WMA, AAC, FLAC), as well access to Internet Radio. A front panel USB connection allows connection of i-Pod and i-Phone.

The receiver is 3D ready, and able to decode all DVD and Blu-Ray audio formats, including Dolby TrueHD, and DTS-HD Master Audio.
With a rated power output of 150wpc into 4ohms, or 90wpc into 8ohms, the RX-V671 is capable of easily driving a wide range on loudspeakers, from compact sub/satellite systems, to large floorstanders.

The RX-V671 proved very simple to set up, thanks to its well laid out remote control, and easy to follow on-screen menus. This receiver features Yamaha's highly regarded YPAO room and speaker equalisation system. Simply place the supplied microphone in the listening positions, follow the on-screen instructions, and within minutes the receiver and speakers are optimised for the listening room.

Once set up, the RX-V671 was put through it's paces with a wide range of material, both films and music. The main film used was the Blu-Ray of 'Hot Fuzz', which features a wide range of audio effects, from quiet naturalistic moments, through to full-bore shoot outs. The scene where Sgt. Angel first visits the village pub allowed the RX-V671 to display its ability to generate a realistic sound field; dialogue was crisp and clear, and the background pub sounds of chit-chat, clinking glasses, and the pub games machine filled the room superbly, without dominating the dialogue. It really felt like you were in a busy rural pub.

The film climaxes with an over the top, all action shoot-out, and here the Yamaha was equally at home. The crack of gunshots flew around the room, and the blast of heavier weapons showed that the RX-V671 can be a real bass-hound when needed; the subwoofer provided a thunderous performance. All in all, a very impressive movie performer.

Moving onto music from CD, the receiver proved to be a very tuneful, detailed and musical performer. The R.E.M album 'Document', has a fairly cluttered mix, but the Yamaha was able to bring out detail buried in the music. Bass guitar was deep, yet dexterous, and gave a great underpinning to the powerful rockers, whilst the midrange quality of the RX-V671 allowed Michael Stipe's vocals to come over clearly, also giving a good clear rendition of the various layers of instrumentation.

As a contrast, we tried some gentler fare, in the form of the Dylan classic 'Blood on the Tracks', which features a stripped down, mainly acoustic band. The RX-V671 projected Dylan's voice well, giving his sometimes nasal vocals a level of clarity, that lesser receivers would struggle to give. The acoustic guitars and piano were conveyed with a superb sense of realism, whilst up in the treble regions, Dylan's harmonica was clearly reproduced, but without sounding grating. As a music maker, the RX-V671 is a superb performer with a wide range of music.

In conclusion, the Yamaha RX-V671 is a fantastic sounding receiver, able to do justice to everything from the most complex film soundtracks, to the simplest of guitar/vocal recordings, and will form the centrepiece of a great system for both films and music.

Denon AVR-2312 - An impressive new AV Receiver

A new AV receiver from Denon is always something to look forward to, and the AVR-2312 does not disappoint.

On unpacking we found a solidly constructed, attractively styled unit that keeps up Denon's tradition for excellent build quality, and such nice touches as the anti-vibration chassis set it apart from many of its rivals. The front panel features an easily legible display, flanked by two impressive controls, for input selection and volume control. Both controls felt nice and solid in use, which again shows the fine build quality of this AVR. Other, more minor controls are easily accessible, being positioned under the display. The AVR-2312 features a comprehensive remote control, which has everything on it to operate the unit.

The back panel is heavily populated with socketry, both for audio and video, with an impressive six HDMI inputs (there is also a seventh, handily mounted on the front panel) , which are are 3D and HD audio compliant. There is also a wide range of analogue video inputs and these can be converted by the AVR-2312 to full 1080P. The AVR-2312 can be configured as a conventional 5.1 or 5.2 system, with bi-amped front speakers, all the way up to a 7.2 speaker configuration, for that full on cinema experience. This receiver also features the new Dolby Pro Logic IIz system, which allows for two extra front speakers, positioned above the screen which gives added 'height' to the soundstage. With all these speakers to drive, the AVR-2312 needs to produce a lot of power, and this it does, giving 105wpc.
An receiver this feature packed could be difficult to set up, but thanks to it's clear on screen display, navigating the different menus is a breeze and Denons Audyssey MultiEQ XT microphone auto calibration system, takes all the hard work out of setting the speaker levels and room equalisation.

Once up and running, the Denon proved itself to a great performer with films. The soundstage was all enveloping with a fine sense of power, yet the Denon could also be delicate and subdued, if the material demanded it. Our test disc of 'District 9' demonstrated that the AVR-2312 is as equally at home with demanding action sequences, such as the setpiece fight between our hero, and the films villain, as it is with the domestic scenes set in his family home. Dialogue was always clearly projected, as were the many subtle sound effects that this film features.

The AVR-2312 also proved itself to be just as adept with music, as it is with films. Denon's Hi-Fi heritage has paid dividends here, and this receiver is a very musical performer, reproducing the operatic dramatics of Brittens 'Peter Grimes' with a real clarity that really involved the listener in the music. Changing over to the metallic stylings of Judas Priest showed that the AVR-2312, knows how to get down and party, with its high power output and gutsy bass throb really making this music Rock!

In conclusion the Denon AVR2312 is a highly specified, well built piece of equipment, that is both a pleasure to operate and to listen to. If you are in the market for a new AVR, it should certainly be at the top of your shortlist

Creek and Epos - A taste of High End but at a Fraction of the Price.

Respected British specialist have been producing high quality electronics for 30 odd years, so it's no understatement to say they know a thing or two about making superb sounds. The Evolution 2 CD player and amplifier combo are the latest in a long line of high value, high performance hi-fi equipment from designer Mike Creek. Here they are combined with the excellent new Epic 5 loudspeaker from sister company Epos, to make a system that takes the hassle out of getting great sound in the home.

The Evolution 2 CD player high quality components internally, including a 24bit/192 Delta Sigma DAC, and a custom made drawer mechanism, using a dedicated CD transport, plus a high grade power supply. The player is constructed in such a way as to minimise the effects of external vibrations, and is available in smart looking finishes of black or silver.

The partnering Evolution 2 integrated amplifier is the ideal aesthetic and sonic match for the CD player, using the same smart styling, and featuring 5 line level inputs, with the option of having a phono stage fitted, plus a tape loop for recording. As with the CD player, the amplifier can be operated by the attractive remote control. Producing 75wpc into 8 ohms, or 110wpc into 4 ohms, the Creek is powerful amplifier, and a great match for the Epos Epic 5 loudspeakers.

These new floorstanders are the ideal sonic match for the electronics, as they are from the same family, and are designed with Creek products in mind. A compact floorstanding speaker, available in either black, or an attractive cherry finish, the Epic 5 uses a 2 and a 1/2 way speaker configuration, and produces a detailed, dynamic and musically involving sound.

The Creek electronics and Epos speaker package makes for a great sounding hi-fi, that gives a real taste of the high end, at an affordable price.

Audiolab and Quad combined for a stunning Hi-Fi System.

If you are looking to buy a high performance CD system the choice can sometimes be bewildering, with so many options to choose from. This Audiolab/Quad system makes the choice much simpler, by combining the latest electronics from Audiolab, with the new Quad 11L Classic loudspeaker.

The 8200CD is a superb disc spinner in it's own right, but it's also ready for the future, as it includes optical, coaxial and USB inputs- meaning the 8200CD can be used to deliver top-quality sound from all kinds of digital sources, including audio files from computers and other media devices. Thus, all music benefits from the superb sound quality produced by the players DAC and discrete Class A output stages.

The matching 8200A integrated amplifier packs 60wpc into its neat dimensions, and with inputs for CD, Tuner, Aux and 2 Tape connections, the Audiolab 8200A is an ideal heart for this fine system, and a great match with the Quad 11L Classics. These compact standmounters are available in a number of furniture quality finshes, and are a detailed and dynamic performer, offereing the best performance from all styles of music.

Overall this is a great sounding, great looking system.

The Best Hi-Fi Package around? Yamaha A-S500 and Monitor Audio BX2

When considering a new Hi-Fi system, there are perhaps too many choices available. So which system should you buy? Of course budget is always going to be a consideration but where can you find an excellent system without breaking the bank? Look no further than the excellent Yamaha A-S500 and Monitor Audio Bronze BX2 Package.

Both of these excellent products from leading Manufacturers shone through in What Hi-Fi's latest awards. The Yamaha A-S500 Amplifier is an unbelievable piece of kit - with a massive 85 Watts per channel output, loads of inputs (including a dedicated turntable Phono input so you can connect a record player to it without the need to buy a seperate phono pre-amp) and Yamaha's legendary build quality - there is no better amplifier at this price. At Sight and Sound we are offering the A-S500 at the very best price as a package with the excellent Monitor Audio BX2 Bookshelf speakers which won 'Product of the Year' in the What Hi-Fi awards. An amazing package for an amazing price.

Archive your Treasured Vinyl and Cassette Tapes

Whilst it may not be considered an audiophile turntable, the
TEAC LPR-500 Vinyl Copystation is an ingenious piece of kit.
Having the ability to archive not only your treasured record collection onto CD, this record player will do the very same for your
Audio Cassette Tapes.


Tapes players are few and far between these days so the TEAC LPR-500 is a good way to archive rare or unobtainable recordings
that you may have on cassette and allow you to enjoy them forever, stored onto a cd or onto a computer. With its one touch record
feature and built in amplifier, stereo speakers and remote control, it couldn't get any easier. An excellent product.